NFL Week 9 Power Rankings: Chiefs, Seahawks still lead clear-cut Top 10 at midseason

NFL Week 9 Power Rankings: Chiefs, Seahawks still lead clear-cut Top 10 at midseason

The Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks survived through tough offensive games by leaning on their great defenses. It’s kept them on top of Sporting News' midseason edition of the 2013 NFL rankings. All of this year's Super Bowl contenders had their flaws in the first half, but just like a game, the ones who correct them in the second half win at the end. What do all the teams in the top 10 have in common? It's easy, they all have five or more wins, and the rest of the league doesn't. The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints looked like the best early, but at the halfway point, if anyone in the finest nine finished by winning it all, it wouldn't be a surprise.

Why they’re here: The Chiefs survived another nailbiter at home against another backup quarterback making his first start of 2013, as Jason Campbell kept the Browns in the game late. Once again, the defense put the clutch clamps down to preserve perfection.

How they move down: If they don’t find some more offense soon. Alex Smith is feeling more pressure as he’s getting little help from his wide receivers and tight end. When a team is able to contain Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs have a lot of trouble moving the ball.

What’s next: at Bills, one last road tuneup before the monster matchup at Denver post-bye in Week 11.

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Seattle Seahawks (7-1)

Last week: 2

Why they’re here: The Seahawks are grinding through some games with major offensive line injury issues, and both Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch took a beating in St. Louis. Still, because of their own physical, stingy defense, they escaped with a last-gasp stand on the road.

How they move up: The Seahawks have a few more favorable games with which to build more NFC equity (Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Minnesota) before a bye can get them on a high ahead of games against New Orleans and San Francisco back-to-back.

How they move down: Slow starts and relying a little too much on the run when it’s not working combined to give them a scare against the Rams. They need to let Wilson go with the downfield passing game, because he thrives with it.

What’s next: vs. Buccaneers, as they’ll take out the Rams frustration on a winless team.

Why they’re here: The Broncos get a much-needed bye right in the middle of their season, as Peyton Manning has been banged around in the past two games. He had a Colts hangover for a little more than a half against the Redskins, and could use the extra time to heal up and as usual, obsess about all his previous 2013 game film.

How they move up: The Broncos slid back in Indianapolis, and won’t get a chance to move up back until hosting the 8-0 Chiefs in Week 11.

How they move down: The Saints and Colts, the two teams right behind them, can really make statements against good defenses on the road in Week 9.

What’s next: at Chargers, that other good AFC West team they can’t overlook.

4

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New Orleans Saints (6-1)

Last week: 4

Why they’re here: The Saints march in place with their expected home dismantling of Buffalo. Even with Jimmy Graham limited to being a red-zone stud, their passing game exploded with their full complement of downfield wide receivers.

How they move up: Drew Brees overcame a mild first quarter and a good Bills pass rush to get the offense sizzling for 45 minutes. They have a chance to do the same thing against a Jets 3-4 that was ripped by the Bengals’ diverse weapons.

How they move down: If they don’t shore their defense up against power run blocking teams with no-nonsense backs. That’s exactly what NFC chief rivals Seattle, San Francisco and Green Bay have.

What’s next: at Jets, where Rob Ryan will try to get the better of brother Rex.

5

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Indianapolis Colts (5-2)

Last week: 5

Why they’re here: The Colts had a week off to figure out how to keep Andrew Luck and the passing game humming without venerable wide receiver Reggie Wayne. They deserved the bye after their huge win over Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

How they move up: To help make up for Wayne’s production, they need to start seeing dividends from the Trent Richardson trade with their coveted power running game. Let’s hope the extra week set up Richardson to be strong down the stretch to take more pressure off Luck.

How they move down: The Colts are in control of the division, but get another Sunday night prime time challenge against Houston. Even though the two-time reigning South champs are reeling, they have the defense to make it tricky for Luck on the road.

What’s next: at Texans, where Luck has a duel with Case Keenum.

6

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San Francisco 49ers (6-2)

Last week: 6

Why they’re here: The 49ers went to London and came away with their latest blowout victory, having no trouble running all over the Jaguars with Frank Gore, Colin Kaepernick and just about everyone else. Their reward for flexing their muscles again is a chance to rest them with a bye.

How they move up: As much fun as Kaepernicking has been in the run heavy version, at some point, he’s got to show the great passing form that surged the Niners into the Super Bowl last season. They’ll need it when the schedule gets tougher around the corner with New Orleans and Seattle.

How they move down: There are some hot teams right behind them, too. The Bengals can trump them by rolling through another good team, while the Packers, whom the Niners beat in Week 1, will need a much bigger home win over Chicago to do so.

Why they’re here: Andy Dalton is on fire, and we’re not making some joke about his red hair. As the Bengals have taken the reins off their offense and letting Dalton chuck it around the park to his expanded arsenal, the results have been huge, giving him a shot at AFC player of the month. See his career-high five TDs vs. the Jets.

How they move up: The Bengals just dropped a 49 spot on New York, and if the yardage and scoring totals keep impressing, we will no longer doubt if they have enough firepower to take down the Broncos.

How they move down: If they get a little too pass happy for Dalton with offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. Now that they have stretched the field in many more ways, it should open up more favorable lanes for speedy rookie Giovani Bernard.

What’s next: at Dolphins on Thursday night, a chance to show the national audience just how good they have become.

8

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Green Bay Packers (5-2)

Last week: 8

Why they’re here: There’s been too much focus on which Packers are hurt and out of the lineup instead of which players have them rolling. The top of the list, of course, are Aaron Rodgers and rookie workhorse running back Eddie Lacy, who just dominated the rival Vikings in perfect harmony.

How they move up: The Packers are getting closer to putting away another division title as they have already ripped into Detroit and Minnesota. If they can take care of Jay Cutler-less Chicago, it will set up a second-half runaway.

How they move down: Green Bay needs to be careful defensively. It could never slam the door on the Vikings for a blowout it looked like the Week 8 game should have been. The Packers need to be better at tightening the screws late.

Why they’re here: Given their massive injury pileup on defense and limited passing pop around Tom Brady on offense, New England has scrapped its old style points for gritty victories that include forcing key takeaways and leaning more on the run. See the Miami comeback.

How they move up: Everyone is waiting for Brady to look like Brady with Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola back in the lineup. Once we see the Patriots Way looking a little more like 2012 form, watch out.

How they move down: Every week is a bit of an adventure for the Patriots, regardless of their opponent. Facing tough defensive matchups ahead, they need to settle for narrow winning margins.

What’s next: vs. Steelers, who will give the Patriots their best regardless of record.

10

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Detroit Lions (5-3)

Last week: 11

Why they’re here: The Lions got their Matt Stafford to Calvin Johnson groove on against the Cowboys, and needed every ounce out of that combination to outlast Dallas in an expected shootout. It was a critical comeback to solidify their wild-card standing.

How they move up: Detroit’s pass-happy, one-dimensional ways come with a slippery slope of sacks and turnovers. Reggie Bush and Joique Bell is an above average combination in the backfield, it needs to run the ball better post-bye.

How they move down: The Lions need to be better on the road, and tough tests at Chicago and at Pittsburgh await them after Week 9.

What’s next: at Bears, a division team they will try to sweep.

11

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Chicago Bears (4-3)

Last week: 12

Why they’re here: The Bears lost Jay Cutler and Lance Briggs for a while before the bye, so the bye was about preparing fill-ins Josh McCown and Khaseem Greene to pick up the slack for the offense and defense, or risk losing ground in the NFC playoff picture.

How they move up: If they can maintain their passing game with McCown, because the run will still be there with Matt Forte. The Bears have been a complete offensive team under Marc Trestman, and their ticket to the postseason and big points.

How they move down: If they can’t shore up defensive issues with Briggs out and Charles Tilllman also banged up. Age was already an issue, and now miscommunication and bad coverage are bigger bugaboos.

What’s next: at Packers, where they must play their best offensively to trump what all they can expect Aaron Rodgers to do.

12

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San Diego Chargers (4-3)

Last week: 13

Why they’re here: The Chargers have gained control of the second wild card slot in the AFC, right behind West second-place team Denver. They had a little winning streak going before the bye, and should have great confidence for Philip Rivers, now a father of seven, to keep up the great play.

How they move up: Before they get a head-to-head shot at the Broncos, the Chargers have another opportunity to show that cross-country trips don’t bother them (see the wins over Philadelphia, Jacksonville).

How they move down: The Chargers found some defensive production in Week 7, but that was against the anemic Jaguars. They must develop a better pass rush and shore up in outside coverage to be a legitimate playoff threat.

What’s next: at Redskins, another defense Rivers should enjoy facing.

13

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Dallas Cowboys (4-4)

Last week: 10

Why they’re here: Where do we begin? The Cowboys just can’t seem to break out of their middling standing around .500, no matter how well they play for nearly four quarters. The loss at Detroit was heartbreaking in the short term but not devastating in the long term, given they still are the favorite in a weak NFC East.

How they move up: The Cowboys’ best medicine for such a defeat is rebounding and ripping into their next few opponents without letting it linger. The good news is the month is almost finished, and Tony Romo is Mr. November.

How they move down: No matter what Dez Bryant’s intentions were, his tantrum didn’t put him or the Cowboys in a good light in terms of having the leadership up top needed to finally get over the division title hump. They must get that worked out, because Romo is doing his part to lead them on the field.

What’s next: vs. Vikings, when Bryant should expect to have a pleasing monster game.

14

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Carolina Panthers (4-3)

Last week: 19

Why they’re here: The Panthers have shaken off some early tough, close losses (see Seattle, Buffalo, Arizona) to climb back above .500. When looking at their games, they could easily be undefeated. Cam Newton is doing great things, and the defense is dominant (see the Tampa Bay game).

How they move up: They have learned how to win the games they are supposed to win to get into NFC wild-card contention, and the home game with reeling rival Atlanta qualifies as one. Then it’s on to beating bigger beasts, with San Francisco and New Orleans around the corner.

How they move down: They can’t get too overconfident and settle into thinking they are better than they are. They have yet to go down this playoff-like path with Newton. They must stay hungry and humble.

What’s next: vs. Falcons, a team they don’t like that is in freefall.

15

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Miami Dolphins (3-4)

Last week: 15

Why they’re here: The Dolphins have lost their way defensively, despite their good talent, and their offense either fades after a fast start or gets out of the gate too slowly. The inconsistent efforts continued in the frustrating loss to New England.

How they move up: Miami’s once promising chance at a wild card is quickly slipping away. That can change big time, however, if they upend the hot Bengals in prime time.

How they move down: If they don’t take advantage of improved pass protection for Ryan Tannehill by still sputtering with the running game and turnovers. That has them in danger of going well below .500 soon.

What’s next: vs. Bengals, where they’ll try to make a splash by cooling off an AFC power.

16

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Baltimore Ravens (3-4)

Last week: 16

Why they’re here: The Ravens needed the bye to regroup, given their unfamiliar struggles after seven games. Let’s hope they have made the adjustments to get Joe Flacco and Ray Rice going offensively. Defensively, there wasn’t much to tweak.

How they move up: They need to fight hard with Ravens-like ugly victories to climb back into both the AFC North and wild-card races. Flacco and Rice, with their supporting casts, aren’t in position to carry the team.

How they move down: The Ravens struggled to finish close games, and the losses at Buffalo and Pittsburgh were especially frustrating. If they can’t find their clutch mojo, they will miss the playoffs fresh off a Super Bowl victory.

What’s next: at Browns, a division trap they must avoid.

17

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Arizona Cardinals (4-4)

Last week: 27

Why they’re here: The Cardinals have ridden their blitzing aggressive defense to get to .500, and it hit a second gear with the return of linebacker Daryl Washington. What has them in wild-card contention is an improved running game to take pressure off a struggling passing game (see rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor vs. Atlanta).

How they move up: Now that the running game has found some pop with the young speed-power combination, it’s on Carson Palmer to take advantage by cutting down on both sacks and turnovers by getting the ball out quickly.

How they move down: Palmer cannot continue to be an anti-prolific turnover machine. It’s up to the coaching staff to realize he needs to be more like a caretaker than a gunslinger at this point.

What’s next: vs. Texans in Week 10, another game against a fallen division winner.

18

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Tennessee Titans (3-4)

Last week: 21

Why they’re here: The physical Titans just got beat up by the NFL’s version of defensive murderer’s row in 2013: Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco. The positive coming out of their bye is Jake Locker and Chris Johnson are healthy and look like they might finally click at the same time.

How they move up: Now that they have slid back to the middle of the pack, they can’t hold back with Locker. His dynamic potential as a runner and passer is their only chance at a wild card.

How they move down: If they can’t better handle swarming defenses. Their offensive line must play a lot better in the second half.

What’s next: at Rams, where there they will see old coach Jeff Fisher’s new team.

19

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Cleveland Browns (3-5)

Last week: 20

Why they’re here: Jason Campbell provided a surprising spark for their offense as their third starting quarterback, but with a nonexistent running game, they didn’t have enough juice to pull off the big upset at Kansas City.

How they move up: Keep getting steady but unspectacular play from Campbell, and get something more out of their backfield. Willis McGahee and Chris Ogbonnaya haven’t really been a good committee to replace Trent Richardson. They need more of speedy Fozzy Whitaker to complement Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron.

How they move down: If they can’t break through with points beyond the teens, even if they are going more conservative, ball-control with Campbell. Protecting him from mistakes can take them only so far.

What’s next: vs. Ravens, a division game against a hated rival they must have.

20

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Oakland Raiders (3-4)

Last week: 26

Why they’re here: Terrelle Pryor was one of the biggest surprises of the first half, and every week brings a jaw-dropping play (see the record 93-yard TD run vs. Pittsburgh).

How they move up: The Raiders need to build on the positives they had in the traditional running game with Darren McFadden. Pryor and McFadden aren’t getting much help from the offensive line, but given their limited passing game, there’s no choice to give their most talented players more opportunities.

How they move down: The Raiders faded away against the Steelers after a good first half, and some fortunate turnovers and unfortunate missed field goal attempts by their opponent bailed them out. As you would expect, they need to be a lot more consistent.

What’s next: vs. Eagles, when Pryor will face another team from his home state.

21

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New York Jets (4-4)

Last week: 14

Why they’re here: The Jets melted down against the Bengals’ passing game, and it allowed the Bengals’ pass rush to tee off on rookie Geno Smith and force big mistakes that turned into big points. The roller coaster continues for the green QB.

How they move up: There’s no panic mode yet, as Rex Ryan should see the Jets have plenty of time to recover and make a real run at the AFC’s second wild card. They need to instill that sense of calm in Smith.

How they move down: If they don’t shore up their pass defense. Teams know they can shut down the run with beef up front, and will just start spreading the field and working on their suspect coverage beyond Antonio Cromartie instead.

What’s next: vs. Saints, where Ryan will get Smith ready against brother Rob’s good D.

22

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Buffalo Bills (3-5)

Last week: 18

Why they’re here: The Bills had fumbling issues with Thad Lewis in New Orleans, taking away from the strong running from steady Fred Jackson that kept them in the game for a while. Their secondary finally broke down against Drew Brees and his bevy of receivers.

How they move up: The Bills can’t worry too much yet, because their strengths of the front seven defense and power rushing attack have remained intact, and they’re not too far out of the playoff picture.

How they move down: Buffalo can’t be too conservative now with Jackson and Tashard Choice. With C.J. Spiller banged up, they need to be more aggressive, even with young receivers, to find some sense of downfield explosiveness.

What’s next: vs. Chiefs, where they can make a needed statement at home against the AFC’s best.

23

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Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)

Last week: 17

Why they’re here: Michael Vick or Nick Foles has turned into the nightmare for rookie Matt Barkley, as he hasn’t been well prepared to handle Chip Kelly’s offense the past two weeks (see Cowboys, Giants) while the healthiest starting option has gotten hurt.

How they move up: Go back to Foles and work hard on getting him back on track from the disappointment against Dallas. A limping Vick and a green Barkley have shown nothing of late. At least Foles has recent high success on which to build.

How they move down: If they don’t get LeSean McCoy going again. As much as everyone wants to see Chip Kelly reestablish an exciting passing offense, the key to restoring some faith in him is the explosive ground game.

What’s next: at Raiders, where Kelly can see some read option fun from Terrelle Pryor.

24

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St. Louis Rams (3-5)

Last week: 28

Why they’re here: Their defense and running game almost were good enough together to upend the Seahawks, but then we were reminded that Kellen Clemens is now their quarterback. Clemens’ two interceptions and struggles to close out a first-and-goal shows St. Louis’ backup situation just isn’t good, period.

How they move up: The Rams should take away the positives from the Seattle game. They rediscovered some moxie in division play, and their defensive and offensive lines both looked really good as strong foundations. Watch out if the pass rush keeps sizzling.

How they move down: If they can’t give Clemens some needed help with the receiving crops and a more diverse passing game There’s the danger of it dragging down an emerging power rushing attack.

What’s next: vs. Titans, where they will prepare for another running QB, Jake Locker.

25

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Houston Texans (2-5)

Last week: 25

Why they’re here: The Texans avoid sliding anywhere because they didn’t play. During the bye, they figured out they liked enough of Case Keenum’s first start against Kansas City to stick with him going forward, effectively ending the Matt Schaub era.

How they move up: Houston must dominate defensively with J.J. Watt and others without Brian Cushing, because that’s the side that can give them any kind of chance to creep back into at least AFC wild-card contention.

How they move down: The injuries have been hurting them offensively, first with left tackle Duane Brown, then tight end Owen Daniels, then Schaub. Add both running back Arian Foster and Ben Tate to the list. If they can’t run as well as we’re used to seeing, Keenum will be under a ton of pressure.

What’s next: vs. Colts, who look like the new AFC South champions.

26

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New York Giants (2-6)

Last week: 29

Why they’re here: The Giants have made a steady climb from the bottom the past two weeks, even though they haven’t looked great doing it against either Minnesota or Philadelphia. The good news is, they are just two games out of first place in the awful NFC East.

How they move up: At some point, Eli Manning and his receivers will get hot, right? This seems to be about the time when Manning goes on a hot streak (especially with Green Bay around the corner) and pushes the Giants from the brink of disaster to a dangerous floater.

How they move down: Their special teams remain atrocious, and the running game needs healthier, better bodies both up front and in the backfield. Otherwise, Manning can’t turn on his heroics we’ve seen in the past.

What’s next: vs. Raiders, a favorable stretch of three consecutive post-bye home games.

27

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Washington Redskins (2-5)

Last week: 24

Why they’re here: The Redskins looked great running the ball and building a shocking 21-7 lead over the Broncos in Mike Shanahan’s return to Denver, only to revert back to Robert Griffin III getting pounded while dropping back too much while they abandoned the run.

How they move up: Washington needs to realize running the ball with Alfred Morris, not Griffin, is its best offensive ticket right now, because it opens up everything else. Maybe the early success in Denver will be a good reminder.

How they move down: The Redskins’ defense came up with some huge plays (see DeAngelo Hall) in Denver, but when the turnovers and quarterback hits aren’t coming off, they keep getting picked apart by versatile attacks.

What’s next: vs. Chargers, when they will need to handle several versatile weapons.

28

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Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5)

Last week: 22

Why they’re here: The Steelers had a great chance to get back into the thick of the AFC wild-card race, but then decided to give up an inexcusable run by Terrelle Pryor and make a whole of lot of undisciplined mistakes to leave a “should win” on the table in Oakland.

How they move up: The Steelers have a simple path to get back on track. Now that their running game is working with Le’Veon Bell, the offense must cut down on penalties and eliminate turnovers. Their defense is playing too well to be let down like that.

How they move down: If that defense pulls back from getting big sacks and takeaways. It’s been more prevalent of late, and that’s only chance to bail out the offense.

Why they’re here: The Falcons had a disastrous three quarters of offense, drying up in the desert in Arizona as Matt Ryan was ripped by pressure and forced into another interception fest. Their defensive injury issues are also becoming a lot more prevalent than anything on offense.

How they move up: Don’t hold back Ryan. He has to keep throwing and taking his shots downfield despite a limited receiving corps because the running game, even with a semi-healthy Steven Jackson, just isn’t helping behind a shaky line.

How they move down: The Falcons won’t be able to beat anyone if their run defense continues to be the sieve it was against the Cardinals.

What’s next: at Panthers, where they also will need to deal with hot Cam Newton running.

30

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Minnesota Vikings (1-6)

Last week: 30

Why they’re here: Josh Freeman, Christian Ponder or Matt Cassel at quarterback? It doesn’t really matter when their defense can’t stop the run, handle speedy receivers or get off the field on third down. See all of the above against the Packers.

How they move up: One of those quarterbacks needs to suddenly step up and win shootouts, because the whole ball-control approach with Adrian Peterson is backfiring this season.

How they move down: If they can’t win the battle with their marquee defensive line. Balanced offenses will keep having their way with them.

What’s next: at Cowboys, where they won’t frustrate Dez Bryant one bit.

31

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)

Last week: 31

Why they’re here: Another week, another struggle just about everywhere. Now the offensive injuries are piling up (see Doug Martin, Mike Williams) where high-volume passing rookie Mike Glennon isn’t getting the support he needs beyond Vincent Jackson. It’s causing the defense to crumble quickly (see Panthers).

How they move up: The Buccaneers are hoping that giving Darrelle Revis an opportunity to be a true man shutown corner again will be a spark for their defense, which isn’t that bad and their only hope to victory.

How they move down: If they can’t help Glennon with something out of the running game, even if needs to be with versatile rookie Mike James.

What’s next: at Seahawks, in a brutal NC State duel with Russell Wilson.

32

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Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8)

Last week: 32

Why they’re here: The change of scenery to overseas in London did nothing to change the Jaguars’ fortunes. They were beat up by the 49ers’ running game from start to finish, and once again, they couldn’t find any kind of offensive rhythm.

How they move up: The Jaguars can sneak ahead of the other bad Florida team, the Buccaneers, if they can just scratch out one win. The best opportunity for that might be hosting Arizona in Week 11.

What’s next: at Titans, an AFC South rival who’s still a bit better than them.